Palm Springs is all about sunshine, retro style, lazy pool days and desert adventures.
Whether you’re in it for palm trees, art, hiking, or just sipping something cold by the pool, this place brings the fun.
You’ll find wild landscapes, cool museums, secret trails, and some seriously eye-popping architecture.
If you’ve only got a weekend to soak it all in, don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect plan to help you make the most of every sunny second.
1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a ride up Chino Canyon, ascending over 8,500 feet from the desert floor to the alpine forest of Mount San Jacinto State Park.
It’s the world’s largest rotating tram car, slowly spinning as you go up, giving you 360-degree views of cliffs, canyons, and the Coachella Valley below.
At the top, you’ll find over 50 miles of hiking trails, a natural history museum, and two restaurants.
The temperature can be 30 to 40 degrees cooler than down in Palm Springs, so bring a jacket even if it’s roasting in the desert.
2. Palm Springs Art Museum
Back in town, the Palm Springs Art Museum is way more than you’d expect from a small desert city.
This spot packs in over 24,000 pieces, from modern art and Native American works to massive contemporary sculptures and a room full of glass art.
It’s located in downtown near the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, and the building itself is super cool, with bold angles and natural light everywhere.
If you’re into weird, bold, or simply beautiful art, plan to spend at least an hour here.
3. Tahquitz Canyon
Ready to trade air conditioning for a little adventure? Head straight to Tahquitz Canyon.
Here, a 2-mile loop trail takes you through rocky desert terrain to a 60-foot waterfall that feels like finding water in the middle of a dream.
The hike isn’t too difficult, but there are stairs and little shade, so bring water and a hat because it gets hot fast.
And don’t forget to swing by the small visitor center at the entrance to learn about the canyon’s deep connection to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Today, the tribe continues to protect and manage the land.
4. Moorten Botanical Garden
For something totally chill and super photogenic, swing by the Moorten Botanical Garden.
It’s a one-acre garden loaded with over 3,000 kinds of cacti and desert plants, some towering over you and others the size of a teacup.
One highlight you won’t want to miss is the “Cactarium,” a cool little greenhouse filled with rare and unusual species that look straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Fun fact: This place has been run by the same family since 1938!
5. The Saguaro Palm Springs
If you love bold colors and poolside lounging, The Saguaro Palm Springs is your spot.
This rainbow-colored hotel is Insta-famous for a reason, with bright paint on every balcony and a pool that turns into a party scene on weekends.
Whether you book a room or just snag a day pass to hang by the pool, you can grab a frozen drink and soak up the sun.
And when you need refueling, the on-site restaurant, El Jefe Desert Cantina, serves up tacos, nachos, and strong margaritas that taste even better after a swim.
6. Andreas Canyon
Once you’re ready to slow things down and take a peaceful walk, Andreas Canyon is pure magic.
It features a mile-long loop trail that winds through a stunning mix of plants, flowing streams, and giant rock formations.
This is actually one of the best places to see California fan palms up close, and it’s part of the Indian Canyons managed by the Agua Caliente Tribe.
So bring your camera and take it easy here, because it’s less about the workout and more about the wow.
7. Murray Canyon Trail
Up for a longer trek? The Murray Canyon Trail is totally worth the extra steps.
It’s a 4-mile out-and-back hike that leads deeper into Indian Canyons, passing palm groves, little stream crossings, and a hidden waterfall known as Seven Sisters.
There’s a good chance you’ll spot bighorn sheep or mule deer along the way, so keep your eyes open and your phone ready.
It’s quieter than some of the other trails, which makes it a great pick if you want more nature and fewer people.
